Psychedelic Relics & Other Vinyl Treasures
Farmer John plows the musical landscape to unearth nuggets that time has forgotten. Each epysode showcases one album that deserves more attention. Epysodes include background information, track analysis, reviews and interviews with band members or anyone else involved with the creation of these great records. I hope you dig them as much as I do.
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Epysode 09: "Rebirth", by Blonde On Blonde
06/27/2024
Epysode 09: "Rebirth", by Blonde On Blonde
GUEST: Blonde On Blonde vocalist/guitarist Dave Thomas. In this epysode, we dive into this Welsh band's 2nd album, Rebirth. Dave Thomas provides detailed background information of the band's formation, their time on the BBC, touring with major acts, their 1969 Isle of Wight performance and the recording of their third and final album when they knew it would be their last. We also discuss Dave's resurgence, decades later ("I signed my second recording contract at the tender age of 70"). Blonde On Blonde mixed folk, psychedelia, blues-rock and prog all into a unique style all their own. It's a great story of a great band and album. I hope you dig "Rebirth" as much as I do. -FJ ==LINKS== 1) Become a Patreon backer for as little as $1/month. This show is completely independent and relies on support from listeners. Join here and enjoy additional bonus content: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic Thank you for your support! 2) Check out Dave Thomas's website at 3) I used a portion of the following fan review of Ralph Denyer's book "The Guitar Handbook" in the show. To listen/watch the full review, click here: 4) Here's a Spotify link to all the songs used in this Epysode! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40eD3PNpfPl1XtpYLYuXpl?si=6017ee4a1fba41c9 ==SONGS== Songs used for this epysode (in order of appearance). A Spotify playlist for this show has been created - see link above. The final song is my band’s latest single. (*denotes a song not available on Spotify). FUCHSIA “Shoes And Ships” JIMMY REED “Bright Lights, Big City” BLONDE ON BLONDE “All Day All Night” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Country Life” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Eleanor Rigby” AQUILA “Flight of the Golden Bird” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Castles in the Sky” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Broken Hours” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Heart Without a Home” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Time is Passing” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Circles” BLONDE ON BLONDE “November” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Colour Questions” BLONDE ON BLONDE “You’ll Never Know Me/Release” BLONDE ON BLONDE “Happy Families” *CRYSTAL SUSPENSION “Boats” GREENSLADE “Country Dance” G AND T “Green and Pleasant Land” DAVE THOMAS “One More Mile” ??MYSTERY BAND??...tune into the next epysode to find out...
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Epysode 08: "Fuchsia", by Fuchsia
06/01/2024
Epysode 08: "Fuchsia", by Fuchsia
Guest: Fuchsia bandleader Tony Durant. Exeter University, 1971. Hearing classical music played in lunchtime concerts sparks a creative idea for a young student who decides "I can do that!". Corralling 5 classmates, they help develop his uniquely written songs melding rock with classical instrumentation. Together they record a brilliant album that goes completely unnoticed. Without an opportunity to record a follow up, the band split and the album is forgotten...until 40 years later when it makes a suprise comeback re-igniting the career of their songwriter and bandleader, kickstarting an unlikely "Act II" of the Fuchsia story. A fantastic interview with Tony Durant who helps tell the story of this amazing album. I hope you dig Fuchsia as much as I do. -FJ *ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: Tony wanted to ensure that songwriting credit for the song "Me And My Kite" was properly given to Bob Chudley, this was not mentioned in the epysode. Support us on Patreon for as little as $1/month here: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic Questions? Comments? Ideas for future epysodes? Email Farmer John at: Want to hear the full versions of the songs used in this epsyode? Here's a Spotify playlist of all the tracks used (note some songs are not available on Spotify): I used excerpts from two other sources for this epysode: 1) a portion of an interview with drummer Chris Cutler, interviewed by Progdocs.com. You can hear the full interview here: 2) I used a portion of the Gormenghast series, by Marvin Peake, narrated by Padded Cell Studios. Specifially book 1 "Titus Groan", chapter 6: Fuchsia. Here is a link to this chapter, and from there you can seek out the entire series:
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Epysode 07: "The Fabulous Wailers", by The Wailers
05/06/2024
Epysode 07: "The Fabulous Wailers", by The Wailers
Guest: Wailers guitarist Neil Andersson. In this epysode we go WAY back...all the way to the start of what we now call "Garage Rock". Many music scholars point to The Wailers as being the first true Garage Rock band. My guest Neil Andersson has a very unique perspective on the band. Before he joined, he was a fan! He would play along to Wailers albums having no idea that one day he would have the good fortune to join them. He tells the story about being nervous for his first gig with the band opening for the Everly Brothers in front of 2000 fans...with no rehearsal! The Wailers version of 'Louie Louie' became the template for all others to follow, including the most well known version by the Kingsmen (they even copied the yelp before the solo). These guys even started their own label (as teenagers!) and released the first albums by The Sonics. It's a fascinating story about a fantastic band that was pivotal in influencing so many acts to follow. You like Hendrix's "Spanish Castle Magic"? Thank The Wailers for that too... Note: I used a few seconds of another podcast called "History of Rock Music in 500 Songs", specifically Episode 106 which discusses the history of the song 'Louie Louie'. This episode goes into great detail of this song, providing much more information and insight than I had time to discuss here. I highly recommend this podcast to any music fans, it's excellent. Here is the link to the episode I referenced: My thanks to guest Neil Andersson for taking time to walk down memory lane and talk about his time with this great band. He has lots of music and fantastic art available - check it all out at his website: Lastly if you have not already done so, check out my Patreon page for bonus content and if you like this show please consider supporting us for as little as $1/month here: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic Thanks for tuning into Psychedelic Relics, I hope you dig The Fabulous Wailers as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:
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Epysode 06: "Heya!", by J.J. Light
04/18/2024
Epysode 06: "Heya!", by J.J. Light
Guest: J.J. Light (aka Jim Stallings) In this epysode we hear the tale of how an American artist recorded an album featuring songs about his Navajo background, with the title track becoming a smash hit in Europe...yet inexplicably the record company decided not to release the album in North America. What?!? The album was recorded with a huge budget and had most of The Wrecking Crew as session musicians, which automatically means you are in for a good time. J.J. Light was an artist that should have gone on to more fame and fortune, but as it turns out success was his biggest failure. Support the show for as little as $1 a month here: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic Share this show with your friends. You're cool, your friends are cool and they deserve to hear cool music! I hope you dig "Heya!" as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the songs used in this epysode:
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Epysode 05: "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett", by Shape Of The Rain
03/29/2024
Epysode 05: "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett", by Shape Of The Rain
Guests: Ian (Tag) Waggett, Shape of the Rain drummer; David McPhie, Shape of the Rain band manager; with additional audio excerpts used with permission of Keith Riley, Shape of the Rain singer/guitarist/songwriter. In this epysode, we learn how this fantastic UK band was influenced by the West Coast sounds of Love, HP Lovecraft etc. to create a unique sound all their own. With excellent songwriting from band leader Keith Riley, they incorporated 12 string guitars with a pedal steel guitar - very unusual for a psychedelic band to use at that time. Shape of the Rain played with EVERY major band of the day. Only releasing one album in their lifetime, it's the classic tale of a band who had all the components to be major stars. However fate it seems had other plans. A recent reissue of their lone album is a great addition for fans as it includes not only a remastered version of the album, but a plethora of fantastic unreleased tracks plus a complete live album. Buy this today! . A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS EPYSODE: The Shape of the Rain epysode was completed a few weeks ago. I had intended to release it earlier than this, however on the day before it was set to be published news broke that Keith Riley had passed away. I made the decision to leave the epysode as is, recorded when Keith was still alive. I felt re-editing would take away from the story. Instead I added a short prologue to commemorate Keith's life. He was an extraordinary talent and I can only hope my love for his music comes across in this epysode. I love this band, I love this album and I love Keith's songwriting. RIP Keith, you will be missed. If you have questions, comments or suggestions for future epysodes, I can be reached at . We rely on support from our Patreon backers to bring you more content like this. If you enjoy what you are hearing, consider becoming a member for as little as $1/month by clicking here: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic Thank you for your support. I hope you dig "Riley, Riley, Wood & Waggett" as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:
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Announcement: Introducing "BonusTrax"!
03/21/2024
Announcement: Introducing "BonusTrax"!
Psychedelic Relics is expanding! Additional bonus content is now available at: patreon.com/FarmerJohnMusic In Bonustrax 01, learn how the band Neon Pearl eventually morphed into T2 as we dive into their archival album "The 1967 Recordings". In Bonustrax 02, Farmer John and Uncle Herff discuss the "2023 In Memoriam Fantasy Band" they would assemble from artists we sadly lost in the last calendar year. So much great talent to choose from...who would you pick for your fantasy band? In Bonustrax 03, we feature the story of a strange album by The Leathercoated Minds", in a mini epysode called "Before They Were Famous". Bonustrax 04 is titled "Same Name, Different Band", where we feature a 60's band that broke up and another band used the same name to become one of the biggest selling bands of the 70's and 80's. More full epysodes of the show are coming your way soon right here, stay tuned. Bonustrax are available only on our Patreon page. I hope you dig this stuff as much as I do and thank you for your support. -FJ
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Epysode 04: "A Gathering of Promises", by Bubble Puppy
02/28/2024
Epysode 04: "A Gathering of Promises", by Bubble Puppy
Guest: Bubble Puppy drummer David Fore. In this epysode we learn how this Texan band came swinging right out of the gates with a smokin' hit in 1969. After some unfortunate record company shenanigans they were forced to move to another label and change their name to Demian. One album later and with a promising future ahead, it all falls apart. "It was stupid. Don't ever be in a band!", David said jokingly. My thanks to drummer David Fore for joining the program to talk about his days with this awesome band. David is still recording and performing live. You can see his information at . Also check out his substack if you want to get first-hand accounts of life as a rock 'n' roll star in the late 60's/early 70's. It's a fantasatic read, always informative and entertaining. Here's the link: We also end the debate as to which album is better - A Gathering of Promises or Demian. David also assists in my pronounciation! We need your support on Patreon to keep this show going. Subscribe for as little as $1/month here: If you have show ideas, suggestions or just want to chat about music, I'm at . PLEASE rate AND review the show!! Reviews help our show move up the rankings and get us noticed by more listeners. You're cool, your friends are cool and they deserve to hear cool music. Share Psychedelic Relics with everyone you know using this link: I hope you dig A Gathering of Promises as much as I do! -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:
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Epysode 03: "Mighty Baby", by Mighty Baby
02/08/2024
Epysode 03: "Mighty Baby", by Mighty Baby
Guest: Mighty Baby's Ian Whiteman. In this epysode, we hear how the UK mod/soul-inspired band "The Action" - who were produced by none other than George Martin - morphed into "Mighty Baby". Vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ian Whiteman joins the show to talk about his memories of his days with this fascinating band that is often cited as "England's Grateful Dead" due to the improvisational elements of their live shows, which culminated as the closing act on day one of 1970's famous Isle of Wight festival in front of 600,000 people. "People compared us the Grateful Dead, but not really. We were more structured", Ian said. Ian shares some great stories about his bandmates, the songs and who was influencing them ("The Byrds had a seismic effect"). We do a track analysis, see what the critics had to say and of course we hear from Uncle Herff. Support the show for as little as $1/month on our Patreon page: Share this show with your friends using this link: You're cool, your friends are cool and they deserve to hear cool music. Follow us on social media. ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: In this epysode I mistakenly credited the artwork for the Mighty Baby LP to guitarist Martin Stone; the design was actually the work of artist Martin Sharp. Feedback? Questions? Ideas for future epysodes? Reach out to me at . I hope you dig "Mighty Baby" as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist featuring all the tracks used in this epysode:
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Epysode 02: "Blue Mountain Eagle", by Blue Mountain Eagle
01/26/2024
Epysode 02: "Blue Mountain Eagle", by Blue Mountain Eagle
Guest: Blue Mountain Eagle drummer Don Poncher. In this epysode, Farmer John unearths the fantastic self titled album by West Coast band Blue Mountain Eagle. A unique band featuring 3 guitarists, 5 vocalists and 5 songwriters. Hear how this band was formed from the ashes of Buffalo Springfield. Fans of that band and of the West Coast sound that was dominant in the mid to late 60's should definitely explore this album. Background information, track analysis, reviews and of course we hear from Uncle Herff. Support the show for as little as $1/month here: Feedback? Ideas for future epysodes? Email me at I hope you dig "Blue Mountain Eagle" as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist for all the tracks used in this epysode:
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Epysode 01: "Suddenly One Summer", by J.K. & Co.
01/12/2024
Epysode 01: "Suddenly One Summer", by J.K. & Co.
Guest: Musician/Arranger Bob Buckley In this epysode, Farmer John unearths the fantastic 1968 psychedelic album "Suddenly One Summer". Guest Bob Buckley worked on the album and acted as the arranger. Bob solves the mystery of which musicians played on this record (note: even the liner notes of a recent reissue have it wrong!). Background information, track analysis, reviews and of course we hear from Uncle Herff. Bonus content available on our Patreon page: Full Bob Buckley interview photos of the album photo of the "Fly" EP cover issued in France only photo of the 4 page insert on the most recent reissue photo of the insert for the While Whale label compilation LP "Land of Sensation and Delights" photo of Farmer John in his record room with his original copy of the LP Links to Bob Buckley's psychedelic band "Spring" on a 1969 CBC variety show visit For more information on Bob Buckley's impressive career, visit . Feedback? Ideas for future epysodes? Email me at . I hope you dig "Suddenly One Summer" as much as I do. -FJ Here's a Spotify playlist for the tracks used in this epysode:
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Introductory Epysode
01/04/2024
Introductory Epysode
Welcome to Psychedelic Relics! This is a short introductory epysode to give you an idea of what we're all about. A full epysode is coming your way soon, stay tuned! Bonus content will be available at:
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